Coffee Review: Intelligentsia Kenya Gichathaini
Next up on the review block from Intelligentsia for Coffee Obsessed with the Kenya Gichathaini blend. This blend differs from the other previously reviewed coffees on this round from Intelligentsia in that it does not have the strong citrus notes and relies more on cedar and apricots according to the description provided. This coffee has received high marks throughout the industry, so let’s dive in and take a taste.
Intelligentsia Kenya Gichathaini Coffee

Kenya Gichathaini Stats
Notes of baked apricots and persimmons, a tangy acidity and wisps of cedar complete the impeccable structure of this sturdy cup.
- Direct Trade
- SL-28, SL-34 Grown At 1,600 – 1,900 Meters
- Cooperative: Gikanda Cooperative
- Region: Nyeri District, Iniaini Area
- Roasted On: 12.21.09

Review: Intelligentsia Kenya Gichathaini
When I first opened the bag of Kenya Gichathaini, it reminded me of being in a cabin out in the woods on a cold, brisk morning sipping on coffee on the front porch before everyone else wakes up. The strong aroma is inviting and plays well into the drinking experience.

The Intelligentsia Kenya Gichathaini coffee is a medium-light blend that is syrupy smooth on the tongue. A hint of tanginess hits you as it starts to roll to the rear, but this coffee from Intelligentsia is not as citrus enhanced as the previously reviewed blends. I am picking up on a wood hint with berries on the Kenya Gichathaini with a slight, smooth aftertaste. Like the other coffees I have reviewed for Intelligentsia, this Kenya blend feels bright and clean during consumption. The coffee does not completely overtake your mouth, but instead leaves you feeling refreshed.

Overall, this has been one of my favorite coffees reviewed to date with a nice mix of both outdoors tastes with smooth mixes. If you are looking for a medium-light coffee blend to check out, you can’t go wrong with the Kenya Gichathaini from Intelligentsia.
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Robb Sutton is a blogger, cyclist and general obsessed coffee consumer. Coffee Obsessed is his outlet and blog for everything coffee related. Look for reviews, editorials and other blog related items all coffee and coffee culture related.
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I wish we had smellnet….to be able to really get a good wiff of that brew. Sounds pretty good.
What type of coffee grinder do you use Robb?
Scratch and sniff monitors…now that is an idea.
Right now I am just using a simple Hamilton Beach grinder because it is small, compact and easily portable.
I really like your description of when you first opened the bag. I know I can’t smell it, but I can imagine it.
Thanks Mike. It might not be everyone’s impression…but it sure was mine.
I agree with your review 100% and then some. I’m idling away on a remote island in Northern Lake Michigan, for the moment. One of my sisters brought me a bag from Chicago last month. Darn fine coffee it is. Made the winter a little warmer. On a side note. I took a one day barista class, awhile back at the Intelligentsia plant in Chicago. I’ve been a fan ever since. This one has been my favorite though, so far.